Sending our children off to school. Something we all experience in different ways across the globe, and what I would call an unspoken solidarity in parenthood!

 
I’ve tried to write this post a few times, and would get choked up within the first few sentences. Don’t worry, after a very long week with my four energizer bunnies, I don’t think I will be getting choked up about back to school week any longer. I  think I may in fact welcome the normal routine and regular schedule with open and enthusiastic arms! However, it doesn’t change the same hesitations, worries, and anxious thoughts that are trying so hard to fight their way to the front of my mind as I send my children off to school.

These words are meant for them, and also for each of you mother’s walking your kids to the bus stop this week or sitting in the car pool line. Mothers who may be crying as you let go of their hand or happily waving goodbye as they independently walk down the school hallway. Putting my children into the care of others for the majority of every day is something that will always require courage on my part. We place our trust in all who will form their characters, educate their minds, and encourage their strengths. We may believe no one could love them like we can, but we have to trust that there are people (and from my experience mighty good ones!) who care enough to invest in them. Side note: I am no poet, so please be assured poetry will not make a regular appearance here;)

 
As I send you off to school.

As I send you off to school,
I hold my breath and pray,
that courage and confidence will walk beside you,
and be a friend today.

That you will never doubt your abilities,
and hold your head up high,
and no matter the obstacles you face,
that fear won’t blind your eyes. 

As I send you off to school,
I wonder if they know,
just how much you mean to me, 
and how hard it is to let you go.

Will you learn to stand up for what is true,
even when it gets tough?
Will you be honest, steadfast, and strong,
when fighting for the good is rough?

Will you remember what we told you, 
every day for the past few years?
That the only thing that matters, is how you treat your peers?

I hope you learn that sometimes,
you just have to MESS UP.
Sometimes the mistakes you make,
are what reveal the big steps you must take to GROW UP.

As I send you off to school,
bittersweet tears drop off my face.
knowing that the best part of me,
is stepping forward in time and place.

I swallow hard, and place my trust,
in the ones who were meant to be.
The teachers, friends, and educators,
meant to open doors on behalf of me.

The people who will cross paths with you,
the beating part of my heart.
To form, to nourish, and encourage you,
and help you choose the very best places to start.

And so as I send you off to school,
I swallow hard and pray,
That I learn to watch you fly and soar
to the heights God can’t wait to show you today.